Portable desktop for suppoting items

ABSTRACT

A member ( 101 ) having an opening ( 103 ) that is capable of accepting a portion of a vehicle steering wheel assembly is used to support an apparatus ( 100 ) from the vehicle steering wheel assembly. The apparatus ( 100 ) includes a back member ( 105 ) and a desktop ( 107 ) that can support items ( 204 ). Locking mechanisms ( 113, 115 ) can be used to secure the back member ( 105 ) and the desktop ( 107 ) in a fixed, preferably user friendly, position. When the apparatus ( 100 ) is in a folded position for carrying or storage, the member ( 101 ) can function as a handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

The present invention does not involve any form of federally sponsored research or development.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to desktops, including, but not limited to, portable desktops for use in supporting items on the steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. Devices and methods for mounting flat tabletop platforms from vehicle steering wheels, particularly for supporting laptop computers, are known. Modern vehicles, particularly automobiles, are primarily used for transportation, but can be used temporarily as a workstation. The laptop computer contributes to the increased use of automobiles and other vehicles for work and other activities not directly connected with transportation. When used as a workstation by a person positioned in the driver's seat of a vehicle, the steering wheel can conveniently function as a support for a tabletop. Modern vehicles and related subsystems are complex machines that can have multiple functions. For example, besides being used to steer the vehicle when in use, steering wheel systems can be designed to contain airbags, tilt to various positions, and function as a means for the supporting items for use by the driver, preferably when the vehicle is not being driven.

Typically, platforms that can support items are hung on the upper portion of the steering wheel. The platforms that hang on the steering wheel can be designed with mounting hooks or other devices that are separated by less than the diameter of the steering wheel. For example, two hooks that are separated by less than the outer diameter of a steering wheel have been used to support a platform from the upper steering wheel rim. Some platforms are permanently attached to the steering wheel in a fixed position, and have openings that allow for the deployment of airbags. For example, the platform can consist of a single flat surface mounted substantially flush against the steering wheel and has brackets on the bottom edge that engage the bottom of the laptop computer.

Because vehicle steering wheels are mechanically more complex, and more specifically because steering wheels can tilt, known desktop may result in laptop positions for which the keyboard is not easily accessible and the screen is difficult to view. Further, because mounting hooks can be separated by a relative short distance, the desktop can be easily knocked off the steering wheel. Finally, because of the functional complexity of steering wheel assemblies permanently attached desktops can interfere with steering column systems, such as airbags.

Accordingly, there is a need for a portable desktop that readily and securely fits on the steering wheel assembly of a vehicle, yet is easy to remove and has a flat desktop surface that can be adjusted based on steering wheel position so as to support items in a substantially level position and in such a manner as to allow for the easy access to items.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus includes a member having an opening, a back element hingedly connected to the member, and a desktop hingedly connected to the back element. The opening in the member is capable of accepting the steering wheel assembly of vehicle so as to support the apparatus from the steering wheel assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus having a member with an opening for use in supporting a desktop from the steering wheel assembly of a vehicle in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an item, shown by way of example as a laptop computer, supported on the desktop of an apparatus that is mounted on the steering wheel assembly in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus resting on a steering column of a tilted steering wheel assembly such that the desktop is approximately level in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the apparatus in a folded position for convenient carrying and storing in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following describes an apparatus for and method of supporting items from the steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a member having an opening that is capable of accepting the steering wheel assembly such that the apparatus is supported on the steering wheel assembly. A back element is hingedly attached to the support and a desktop is hingedly connected to the back element such that the position of the back element and the desktop can be adjusted to accommodate items in a user friendly orientation.

An apparatus 100 having a member 101 with an opening 103 for use in supporting a desktop 107 from a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle is shown in FIG. 1. The opening 103 is capable of receiving a steering wheel assembly (not shown) of a vehicle. A back element 105 is attached to the member 101 and a desktop 107. Preferably, the back element 105 is attached to the member 101 by at least one back hinge 109, and preferably, the desktop 107 is attached to the desktop 107 by at least one desktop hinge 111. Although multiple hinges on either side of the apparatus are shown, alternatively, single or multiple hinges that are more centrally positioned along the connected edges can be used. The back hinge 109 and the desktop hinge 111 allow the adjustment of the apparatus to accommodate different types of items in different orientations depending on steering wheel assembly design and the user's preference. Typically, the orientation of the back element 105 and the desktop 107 can be adjusted so that a keyboard of a laptop computer is readily accessible and a screen is easy to see.

A first locking mechanism 113 that is proximately close to the hinged connection between the member 101 and the back element 105, and a second locking mechanism 115 that is proximately close to the hinged connection between the back element 105 and the desktop 107 can be used to securely fix the relative positions of the back element 105 and the desktop 107. For example, the locking mechanisms can include groves or notches formed in adjacent surfaces of the member 101, the back element 105, and the desktop 107, and a hand adjustable screw that can be turned to force the engagement of the complimentary grooves or notches and fix the relative position of the back element 105 and the desktop 107. Alternatively, the locking mechanisms 113, 115 can be based on a compression design for which adjacent surfaces, with or without grooves or notches, of connected component are formed so as to be pressed against each other in a manner that resists their relative movement past each other.

An apparatus 100 that is supported on steering wheel 201 having a spoke 213 is shown in FIG. 2. The apparatus 100 fits on the steering wheel assembly by passing the steering wheel 201 through the opening 103 in the member 101. The opening 103 can be formed to allow the apparatus 100 to be supported on the spoke 213. Alternatively, the opening 103 can be formed so that the apparatus 100 is supported on only the steering wheel 201. Once the member 101 is positioned on the steering wheel assembly, the back element 105 and the desktop 107 can be oriented so as to be able to accept items base 205. The back element 105 and the desktop 107 are positioned so that a laptop computer base 205 can be placed on the desktop 107 in a user friendly position, preferably allowing easy keyboard access. Similarly, the back element 105 and the desktop 107 are position so that when the laptop computer base 205 is placed on the desktop 107 and the laptop can be opened in a user friendly position, preferably with the upper portion 203 of the laptop positioned against back element 105 and in such a way that the screen 209 is easy to view. Alternatively, the apparatus 100 can be adjusted to any one of a myriad of positions depending on specific user preferences.

The apparatus 100 resting on a steering column 301 of a tilted steering wheel assembly such that the desktop 107 is approximately level is as shown in FIG. 3. The apparatus 100 can be partially or wholly supported on any one of the various parts of a steering wheel assembly that can include the steering wheel 201, the spoke 203, a column 301, and so forth. In addition, the steering wheel assembly can include a tilt joint 303 that can be used to tilt the steering wheel 201 to different positions. Although the configuration of the steering wheel assembly and the actual orientation of the steering wheel can vary greatly, the hinged connections 109, 111 and the locking mechanism 113, 115 allow for the adjustment of the apparatus 100 to accept items in a user friendly position.

The apparatus 100 in a folded position for convenient carrying and storing is shown in FIG. 4. The apparatus 100 can be formed such that complementary surfaces of the back element 105 and the desktop 107 can be folded to be adjacent to each other. In addition, the member 101 can be designed to fold against the back element 105 such that the member 101 and associated opening 103 can be used to grasp the apparatus 100 while being transported. Alternatively, the member 101 can be rotated to a position away from the back member 103 so that the member 101 acts as a handle for carrying the apparatus 100. The locking mechanisms 113, 115 can be used to secure the apparatus 100 in desired carrying and stored positions.

A method of installing the apparatus 100 on a vehicle steering wheel assembly includes the steps of placing the apparatus 100 on the steering wheel assembly, and positioning the back member 105 and the desktop 107 of the apparatus 100 to accept items, for example a laptop computer 205. At the first step, the apparatus 100 is placed on the steering wheel assembly by passing a portion of the steering wheel assembly, typically the steering wheel 201, through the opening 103 of the member 101 such that the member 101 can rest on and be supported by the steering wheel assembly. In the second step, the hinged connections 109, 111 allow the back element 105 and the desktop 107 to be positioned so that items 205 can be placed on the desktop 107. Preferably the laptop computer is supported in a user friendly position such that the keyboard is readily accessible and the screen is readily viewable. In an additional step of the method the back element 105 and the desktop 107 can be secured in a fixed position by engaging the locking mechanisms 113, 115. Other steps of the method can include removing the apparatus 100 from the steering wheel assembly, folding the apparatus in a stored position, and locking the apparatus in carrying and stored positions.

Although the present invention is illustrated by the example of laptop computer supported on an automobile steering wheel, the present invention may be applied to: steering wheels on trucks, buses, boats, and so forth, and for other situations where level tabletops or desktops are important such as supporting other devices having keyboards, for use as a table top during meals, and so forth.

The present invention provides a number of advantages, including the ability to securely support items from a vehicle steering wheel. The present invention provides an apparatus that can be supported on a wide variety of steering wheel assembly designs and positions, yet is easy to remove from the steering wheel assembly and, when used to support items, can be adjusted to accommodate and support items in a user friendly position. In the limited working space inside a vehicle, being able to orient a laptop computer on a substantially level surface and in a user friendly position such that the keyboard is easily accessible, and the screen easily viewable can be important. The present invention can also be placed in a folded position for easy storage and handling.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a member having an opening wherein the opening is capable receiving a steering wheel assembly; a back element hingedly connected to the member; and a desktop hingedly connected to the back element.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one back hinge that connects the back element to the member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one desktop hinge that connects the desktop to the back element.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one back position locking device connected to the back element and the member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one desktop position locking device connected to the desktop and the back element.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the member is capable of securely engaging a lateral edge of the desktop when the back and desktop are folded together for storing.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opening is capable of receiving an outer rim of a steering wheel.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an edge of the member is capable of engaging a steering wheel column.
 9. An apparatus comprising: a member having an opening wherein the member is capable of attachment to a steering wheel by receiving a portion of the steering wheel through the opening; at least one back hinge connected to the member; a back element attached to each back hinge, wherein each back hinge is attached along a first lateral edge of the back element; at least one desktop hinge connected along a second lateral edge of the back element; and a desktop connected to each desktop hinge.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising at least one back position locking device connected to the back element and the member.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising at least one desktop position locking device connected to the desktop and the back element.
 12. A method comprising the steps of: placing an apparatus having a member that has an opening on a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle, wherein a portion of the steering wheel assembly extends through the opening; and positioning a back member and positioning a desktop of the apparatus.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the back member and the desktop are positioned to support items.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the back member and the desktop are positioned so that the items can be supported in an approximately horizontal position.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the back member and the desktop are positioned so that a screen of a laptop computer can be positioned in a non-horizontal position that can be easily seen by a user.
 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of securing the back element and the desktop in a fixed position by adjusting locking mechanisms.
 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of removing the apparatus from the steering wheel assembly and folding the apparatus into a stored position.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of securing the apparatus in a stored position by adjusting locking mechanisms. 